Posted by Tina
This morning a judge in the Freddie Gray case found one of the accused officers, Edward Nero, not guilty on all charges. Nero, the arresting officer in the case waived his right to a jury trial, opting to have the judge hear the case. The charges filed against Nero included misconduct in office, assault and reckless endangerment. The assault and reckless charges carried ten and five year sentences. Nero was visibly relieved as he heard the verdict handed down by Judge Barry Williams. Another of the six defendants, Officer William Porter, was tried last year in a jury trial. The jurors could not reach a decision on charges of manslaughter and other charges.
The mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said that Nero still faces an administrative review by the police department:
“We once again ask the citizens to be patient and to allow the entire process to come to a conclusion. In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond. We will protect our neighborhoods, our businesses and the people of our city.”
A handful of protesters was gathered outside the courthouse.
As you may recall, Freddie Gray was a black man who allegedly suffered a spinal injury during arrest and transport. The case became a flashpoint in the black cause alleging that police officers treat blacks differently.
Prior to the verdict, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, called for, “Respect for the rule of law,” saying,
“Whatever may be Judge Barry Williams’ decision with respect to Officer Nero’s role in the death of Freddie Gray, that verdict will have as much legitimacy as our society and our justice system can provide. We will respect the decision.”
Apparently it took fifteen minutes for the judge to hand down his decision on all charges in this case. Some speculate the charges were padded. Others suggest these arrests were political and unfounded. I tend to agree.
Sure is a lot of egg on the faces of Ms. Moron Mayor and Ms Political Prosecutor In Philly tonight!
You for got the mention that this guy’s involvement in the arrest was tangential, and he should never have been charged. This case has been a disaster from the start. It’s my understanding is that even now the prosecution has no clear “theory of the crime”, as they say. We still don’t know how Freddie was injured, and the cops certainly aren’t telling. Under our glorious system, sometimes, the perp walks.
I just wish the cops themselves could embrace this concept: sometimes you can’t catch the car thief.
“We can if we shoot her in the back,” they say.
Cops are first on the scene and see some pretty gruesome, horrendous stuff. It’s hard to do their job without a little “cop humor.” It goes on in hospitals too. Given them a freakin’ break it relieves tensions!
Freddie did himself no favors. But you’re right, the evidence was pathetically weak. These are show trials, instigated through agitation within the black community. Whatever radical leadership made it happen is directly responsible for Freddie’s death and a lot more. This crap needs to END!
Tina, it is not a joke. Agents of law enforcement, nationwide, are casually murdering petty criminals.
Maybe, if they could bring themselves to quit doing this, the political pressure, the necessity for the show trial would be removed.
Justice served.
Absolutely. With a lot of wasted time and money, but they got their verdict.